Resource provides latest strategies to prevent and treat heartworm disease

The American Heartworm Society (AHS) published on April 9 an updated version of its Canine Heartworm Guidelines on heartworm prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

In this VETgirl online veterinary continuing education blog, we discuss the updated American Heartworm Society Guidelines.

American Heartworm Society Announces Updated Guidelines on Management of Canine Heartworm Disease

Heartworm disease is more prevalent in warmer southern states, but it’s becoming more common in Oregon and Washington as temperatures rise

More dogs and cats are becoming infected with heartworms in Oregon and Washington, as the parasites thrive in warming temperatures brought on by climate change.

Heavy rainfall in the spring combined with warmer summer temperatures have fueled mosquito outbreaks locally.

AHS updates its veterinary guidelines and includes spectrum-of-care advice.

The American Heartworm Society’s newly updated canine heartworm guidelines provide spectrum-of-care advice for veterinarians treating dogs under less-than-ideal circumstances.

American Heartworm Society Announces Updated Guidelines on Management of Canine Heartworm Disease

Holly Springs, NC (April 9, 2024) – The American Heartworm Society (AHS) has published an updated version of their Canine Heartworm Guidelines on heartworm prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The update, available on the AHS website, was completed after a thorough scientific review by a team of authors from the fields of parasitology, cardiology, and clinical practice. The revisions were based on the latest research and understanding of heartworm management, while also addressing questions frequently posed to the AHS by veterinary practitioners. The guidelines can be found at heartwormsociety.org/guidelines.

The American Heartworm Society is providing new practice guidance for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of parasitic infection in dogs

The Canine Heartworm Guidelines by the American Heartworm Society (AHS) has been newly revised. These published guidelines, which address heartworm prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, were last updated in 2020. The revised version also includes a new section on spectrum of care.

April is Heartworm Awareness Month. The American Heartworm Society recommends heartworm testing once a year and using heartworm prevention all year long. Missing just one dose of heartworm prevention can lead to a pet getting infected. If you and your pet are headed to the veterinarian’s office this spring for an annual check-up, be sure you leave the clinic with heartworm prevention!

If you live in the Northeastern United States, you can enjoy the changing seasons and a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter to leaf-peeping in the fall and birdwatching in the spring. And if you’re a pet parent, we bet your four-legged companion is a big part of how you decide to spend your time. 

But parasites living in the Northeast can create big problems for our dogs and cats. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes can spread dangerous diseases and even cause severe illness and death. 

Protecting dogs and cats from parasites is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are three troublesome pests that can cause pets discomfort and transmit dangerous diseases. For example, mosquitoes are the vector of heartworms, meaning they can carry and transmit this internal parasite to dogs and cats. 

In the Southern United States, there is no real “off season” for fleas, ticks, or mosquitoes. Veterinarians recommend using year-round parasite control to ensure your pet is always protected from these pests.

As pet parents, we’re used to routine wellness check-ups and questions about our pets’ parasite medication schedules. Maybe your vet has even suggested taking home a collection kit for fecal parasite testing. It might all seem a bit over-the-top. But when was the last time you checked in on the latest parasite trends affecting pets in your area?

The Midwest is home to the sprawling plains, the shores of the Great Lakes, and the foothills of the Ozark and Appalachian Mountains. It encompasses 12 states and all of them are home to fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. These parasites can cause discomfort and pass on dangerous diseases to your pet.